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With diverse backgrounds ranging from studying extraterrestrial fluvial geomorphology to being born in the jungle of Chitwan National Forest in Nepal, American Adventure Expeditions’ certified guides shepherd rafters of all experience levels down sections of the Arkansas River, navigating rapids of varying intensity and trip lengths. Half-day, full-day, and overnight trips plunge into world-class runs such as The Numbers, an advanced route with powerful Class IV rapids gushing through tight passages and down steep drops, or the more family-friendly Class II and III waters found within Brown’s Canyon for mild bumps and splashing contests with ill-tempered salmon.
Guides also pair up aquatic excursions with other extreme thrills such as mountain biking and zipline tours for combo adventures, or skip the water entirely during land-based adventures such as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad train tour. Additionally, two outposts sit along the river, and offer snacks, restrooms, and picnic areas.

The outdoors enthusiasts at Rock-N-Row lead rafting trips beneath the 1,100-foot walls of Royal Gorge and fly-fishing excursions in Bighorn Sheep Canyon so visitors of all fitness levels can experience the playground that is Colorado. In addition to rafting and fishing, Rock-N-Row's team plans outings that range from trail riding through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to rock climbing. Organizers also coordinate adventure combos to pack in more awe-inspiring moments and opportunities to show off extreme knot-tying skills. Seeing to clients' safety, Rock-N-Row's guides run daily equipment checks, and also claim certifications in CPR and first aid.

The outdoors enthusiasts at Rock-N-Row lead rafting trips beneath the 1,100-foot walls of Royal Gorge and fly-fishing excursions in Bighorn Sheep Canyon so visitors of all fitness levels can experience the playground that is Colorado. In addition to rafting and fishing, Rock-N-Row's team plans outings that range from trail riding through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to rock climbing. Organizers also coordinate adventure combos to pack in more awe-inspiring moments and opportunities to show off extreme knot-tying skills. Seeing to clients' safety, Rock-N-Row's guides run daily equipment checks, and also claim certifications in CPR and first aid.

Surrounded by lush alpine scenery and rushing rivers banked by boulders, brush, and thicket, rafters ride the rapids during Performance Tours' half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips. The company requires their guides to complete training beyond the state's requirements, ensuring a crew with exceptional rafting prowess in addition to a special affinity for the Arkansas, Clear Creek, Blue, and Colorado Rivers. During tours, groups take in the scenery, spotting wildlife including bighorn sheep, while navigating river regions with names such as "Devil's Punchbowl". Now with more than 25 years' experience taming the bucking local waterways, the team can craft experiences ideal for families and rookie rafters, as well as the seasoned boater looking for a challenge and an impressive story to tell their salmon buddies.

KODI Rafting guides paddlers through roiling rapids, splashing and thrashing riders until faces are covered with both water and enthusiastic smiles. Half-day Brown's Canyon trips depart at 8:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 1:45 p.m., leading aquatic expeditions through the tree-lined cliff faces of the Arkansas River ($56 for adults; $49 for children age 7–12). Vessels row and float through tranquil stretches of current and notorious whitewater runs such as Pinball, Zoom Flume, and Widowmaker. KODI's Arkansas River Outpost acts as a base camp where rafters check out essential safety equipment including life preservers and helmets, as well as a supplementary rental package of a wetsuit, splash jacket, booties, and an Audubon Society pamphlet on spotting rare water molecules (a $10 value). Guides chauffeur parties to their put-in points up river and provide transportation back to the outpost from the end of the run, saving guests the effort of rowing home along winding mountain roads.

Chosen as Arizona’s premier travel destination by Soft Pretzel Aficionado, the Upper Salt River Canyon is home to thrilling class III and IV whitewater. Wilderness Aware’s trained, professional guides are experienced with ensuring every client has a fun time, from beginning 8-year-olds to more adventurous enthusiasts. Your whitewater trip departs at 10 a.m. and winds through 10 miles of snaking currents surrounded by panoramic limestone cliffs and the occasional endangered Southern bald eagle. A free wetsuit, splash jacket, and wet-shoe rental are provided, but arm floaties and water stilts aren’t necessary. You’ll channel inner Viking mettle as you navigate rapids such as Maytag Chute and Mother Rock. The trip also includes tasty all-you-can-eat hot fajita lunch and an optional side-canyon hike to a sparkling waterfall.